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Opening hours

Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm

Patient quote

"My family and I were greatly impressed with the high degree of care and professionalism demonstrated by all staff involved". Ms SD

24 Hour Tape Clinic Freeman Hospital

Contact: (0191) 233 1550

A 24 hour electrocardiogram (ECG) recording uses a special recording device to record the behaviour of your heart over a 24 hour period. This can help to diagnose the cause of symptoms such as palpitations by showing when you may be experiencing fast or slow heart rates.

How to find us

Directions to the wardShow [+]Hide [-]

The 24 Hour ECG Clinic is based in the Pacemaker Department in the Cardiothoracic Centre at Freeman Hospital. To find us:

Come through the entrance of the Cardiothoracic Centre and walk past the reception desk following round to your right.

When you come to a junction turn left and look for a sign on your left hand side for the Pacemaker / Tapes Department.

Staff you are likely to meet

When you arrive in the Pacemaker / Tapes Department you will meet specialist staff called Cardiographers who will look after you during your time here.

The types of test you can expect

Small patches are attached to your chest, with wires leading to the ECG recorder fitted to a belt around your waist. The ECG recorder monitors your heart rate.

You will be asked to spend the next 24 hours behaving as you normally would and to keep a note of all activities you carry out, as well any times when you experience palpitations or dizzy spells.

What happens next?

You will be asked to return to the clinic the next day to have the recorder removed. The results will then be analysed and forwarded to your doctor. If your doctor wishes to discuss these further, you will be given an appointment to come back into clinic.

Occasionally, your doctor may arrange for you to have ECG recordings taken for anything up to 5 days.

Things you need to know

There is a loop system fitted at all reception points and to the TV in the waiting area. A portable loop system is available in consulting rooms.